Graphics Reviews

Review: Alien Skin Bokeh

This plug-in simulates shallow depth of field far better than Photoshop can on its own. But will you use it often enough to justify the price?

Snap Art 2 Makes Photoshop Art Easier, More Realistic

When version 1 of Snap Art debuted in 2006, it was impressive enough. In version 2, Alien Skin has created a superior artistic tool with an improved interface and algorithms.

Review: Tiffen Dfx Suite Version 2

More than 1,000 photo filters combined with a well-implemented interface make this an excellent option for photographers of landscapes, events, portraits, and weddings.

Review: Wacom Intuos4

The Intuos4 feels great, looks gorgeous, and is extremely well-made. Photographers, designers, illustrators, and visual effects artists can all benefit from the innovations in this new line of tablets.

Review: Flash CS4 Professional

Fundamental changes to this already-mature application open up new worlds of possibilities.

Bridge CS4

Take a closer look at Adobe's media browser.

Review: Adobe Photoshop CS4

Some improvements and additions will make you smile; others will make your jaw drop in awe.

Camera Raw 5

Take a closer look at the raw processor plug-in.

Review: Adobe Illustrator CS4

Adobe answers long-time requests with multiple artboards and transparent gradients, but it’s the added polish that makes Illustrator CS4 a compelling release.

Review: Silver Efex Pro

If you’re serious about working in black and white, you need to be serious about the tools you use to convert your color photographs to grayscale. Silver Efex gives you the power you need with the ease of use you want.

Review: Capture NX 2

Version 2 brings important upgrades to this innovative image editor, including major interface revisions, workflow improvements, and important new editing tools.

Review: Epson Stylus Photo R1900

Looking for a printer that can output a wide range of print sizes for $500 or less? This review may be your answer. You won’t find another printer that produces glossy output this good for under $2,000!

Review: Nik Software's Viveza

This plug-in is ideal for anyone who regularly creates complex masks.

Reviews: Alien Skin Exposure 2.0 and Imagenomic Real Grain

Whether you want to digitally reproduce the look of different film stocks or convert color shots to grayscale, one of these plug-ins may be just what you need.

Review: PhotoTune Software's SkinTune 2.0

If you routinely shoot portraits or photograph in difficult mixed lighting situations, check out this Photoshop plug-in.

Review: Adobe Photoshop CS3

There are high-school seniors who have never lived in a world without Photoshop. Does this venerable application still have room for improvement?

Review: Adobe Illustrator CS3

The new Illustrator is faster, flashier, and more colorful, yes. But is it worth the upgrade? Read on to find out.

Review: Corel Painter X

With amazing brushes that are more realistic than ever, new composition tools for painters and photographers, and a little man inside the software who paints for you (!), this Painter upgrade is worth the money.

Review: HVC Color Composer

This Photoshop plug-in adds an intuitive color selection tool that will save time and money -- once you grasp its complexity.

Review: Alien Skin Blow Up

Do Photoshop's upsampling tools give you the jaggies? When you need to enlarge images, Blow Up may be the helping hand you've been looking for.